The Bench Garden leads off the middle lawn terrace. A narrow lawn flanked by azaleas and under magnolia trees leads to a tiled bench. This terrace is shaded by a large hollow oak tree, camellias, a Japanese maple and a rhododendron bush. It is a delightful sitting area during the hot summer months. The Kitchen shaded Garden is immediately behind the manor house at the foot of the bank below the indigenous garden. The mature Japanese maple Acer Palmatum , camellias Camellia sasanqua and a red-flowering rhododendron tree create shade in this area.
The terrace links the Millstone terrace to the Waterfall garden. At that time it was one of only six farms in the Jonkershoek Valley outside Stellenbosch. Una took up residence with a three-year son and another child on the way.
Her husband, General Kenneth van der Spuy, was engaged in war work. Situated on a muddy hill slope, the homestead had no electricity or indoor baths or toilets. To earn an income Una cultivated berries and vegetables for the local market, then graduated to cultivating roses and shrubs for the Southern African market, using the income towards renovating Old Nectar and the outbuildings.
Una constructed bathrooms and made the outbuildings habitable for labourers and, subsequently, paying tenants. South Africa was one of the destinations for POWs who were seconded as labourers to a number of farms around South Africa. Imagine the 30 year old Una managing a group of male POWs on her own!
However, it lists up to identifiable, numbered trees. So it could be fun to wander about Old Nectar in search of them all. The trees planted in this garden hail from places all over the globe. I did, however, seek out a few special trees.
These included the historic oak trees, Japanese maples and mighty Redwood tree. The Old Nectar estate gardens even have a giant Redwood tree. Old Nectar is more than just a pretty place though. This unique estate also has a rich Cape- and Stellenbosch-history, something you can read up on using the map. The reverse has wonderful, detailed snippets on the estate and each of the 15 or so numbered, key garden sections. The Old Nectar manorhouse, wine cellar and even the beautiful guest villas are all iconic examples of early and early Cape Dutch buildings.
Even the metre walk from the main gate up to the manorhouse is lined noble oaks that were planted in the mids. History is literally alive and breathing at Old Nectar. Much of this is thanks to the love and dedication of the Van Der Spuy family, particularly the late Una. While maintaining this estate under its complete former glory, this family have also cemented its Cape heritage and living roots for generations to come.
More importantly, they have made their farm accessible to all. In addition to preserving the past, Old Nectar also offer luxury, long-term rental accommodation. Perhaps the best part about Old Nectar and its four-hectare garden and beautiful estate grounds is the prevailing peacefulness felt here. Honestly, it is like you just breathe more deeply in this magical place.
And, everything from the beautifully tended garden sections to the old Cape buildings which have interesting little murals, benches and more dotted about their breadth is a joy to discover. Plus, it would spoil the experience for you. Still, I would like to share some of my personal favourites after my solitary Sunday afternoon visit. Surrounded by the Magnolia Walk, Azalea Garden and Bench Garden and some tree highlights like the Japanese maples, silver birch and flowering peach , is the beautifully scenic Pergola Walk.
Stayed here and would not stay anywhere else when I come back to Stellenbosch. The gardens are beautiful and the people so helpful. Mari and Richard and Peter were always there to help during our stay. The apartment has everything you could need and was so clean. The accommodation was superb. It is very private, with its own garden and pool area. The villa itself is very spacious, has all amenities, very comfortable beds and is very clean.
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